Ruth Bayan
Northwest Asia Weekly
Maiko Winkler-Chin (Photo courtesy of SCIDpda)
The Executive Director of the Seattle Chinatown International District Conservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda) will join the Bruce Harrell administration.
Maiko Winkler-Chin, executive director for more than 12 years, has been named director of the City of Seattle’s housing office, subject to confirmation from the City Council.
“When New York City considers major infrastructure projects, several of them are [the Seattle Chinatown-International District] What does community, housing and community development do to this community? I look at this work from a community-level perspective, which can be unique,” Winkler-Chin told Northwest Asia Weekly.
A press release from the mayor’s office said Winkler-Chin will be tasked with leading the office during a time of rapid change as it has access to substantial resources to build and maintain housing, as well as provide rent assistance and support to tenants and small landlords.
Harrell said, “Maiko would not be willing to resign from her nearly 20-year job if we didn’t have a real opportunity to make a positive difference for our city during this unprecedented time. I am delighted to see her proven leadership in action. Capabilities – Advancing significant investments, improving office processes, and bringing innovative approaches and culturally savvy perspectives to make Seattle’s housing office a national leader.”
Winkler-Chin will be a cabinet member involved in capital projects and planning.
“I’ve worked in this community for 17 years, working on community development, which means I understand the importance of housing for small businesses, public spaces, community spaces and healthy communities,” she said.
“Maiko’s extensive background in affordable housing and community development is an important part of SCIDpda and its work in the Chinatown International District (CID),” said Mindy Au, SCIDpda Board Chair. “While we will miss her presence at SCIDpda, we are excited to see her strong leadership experience and knowledge of our community applied to affordable housing across the city.”
Winkler-Chin will start her new job in early March.
“As the child of a first-generation non-English-speaking immigrant, I have a unique perspective and life experience who married into an involved family [the CID] Three generations. “
She developed plans for SCIDpda to build 426 units of affordable housing in two real estate developments in the region. Winkler-Chin has been SCIDpda’s Executive Director since 2009, and prior to that, she was SCIDpda’s Director of Housing and Facilities. She has been with SCIDpda for over 17 years.
“It has been an honor to work with the dedicated staff of SCIDpda,” said Winkler-Chin. “I thank the board for giving me the opportunity to serve our beloved community.”
Winkler-Chin also received the 2020 Women of Valor Award from Senator Maria Cantwell and was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in Seattle” by the Seattle Metropolitan in 2021.
Additionally, she is a founding member of the Puget Sound Regional Council HUD Regional Equity Network for Sustainable Communities and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Seattle King County Housing Development Alliance.
Ruth can be reached by Editor @nwasianweekly.com.
